UN Nuclear Watchdog Board Demands Urgent Iran Co-operation and Access to Nuclear Sites
The International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors has passed a resolution demanding that Iran urgently cooperate with inspectors and provide access to undeclared nuclear sites. The move comes amid heightened concerns over Tehran's nuclear activities, including the enrichment of uranium to near weapons-grade levels.
The resolution, introduced by the United States, Britain, France, and Germany, calls on Iran to fulfill its legal obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. It specifically requests that Iran allow the IAEA to visit locations where traces of enriched uranium have been found, as well as clarify outstanding questions regarding past activities.
Iran has previously denied access to inspectors and has expanded its enrichment program, which it insists is for peaceful purposes. However, the IAEA has reported that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to produce multiple nuclear weapons if further enriched.
The board's decision, adopted with 26 votes in favor, five against, and seven abstentions, reflects growing international frustration with Iran's lack of transparency. The resolution also warns that failure to comply could lead to further measures, including referral to the United Nations Security Council.
Iran's envoy to the IAEA, Mohammad Reza Ghaebi, criticized the resolution as politically motivated and warned that it could undermine diplomatic efforts. He reiterated Iran's position that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and that it has cooperated within the framework of the IAEA.
The development comes as negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal remain stalled. The JCPOA, which limited Iran's enrichment activities in exchange for sanctions relief, has been in jeopardy since the United States withdrew in 2018 and Iran began exceeding its limits.
Experts say the resolution increases pressure on Iran but may also escalate tensions. The IAEA director general, Rafael Grossi, has urged both sides to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the impasse.
